Ancient Blood

Navajo Nation, Book 3

By: R. Allen Chappell

Narrated by: Kaipo Schwab

In the third book of the Navajo Nation series, Charlie Yazzie's former archaeology professor becomes the target of a ruthless Indian rights movement, one determined to end an investigation that could change the face of an ancient tribe.

Charlie and Thomas Begay find themselves caught up in a dangerous, intrigue-filled adventure involving one of the canyon lands' oldest riddles. Dark secrets are revealed in this fast-paced mystery of a forgotten people.

©2014 R. Allen Chappell (P)2016 Tantor

Interesting, if a little melodramatic......

What did you love best about Ancient Blood?

It isn't Hillerman, but I enjoyed some of the explanations as to which tribes are invested in which part of Native history. I found some of the characters a lttle old fashioned, but it kept my interest.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not exactly on the edge of my seat, but it interested me enough to finish the book! I felt slightly confused by much of the action. The plot was far less interesting than the interpretation and theory of what was discovered.

What about Kaipo Schwab’s performance did you like?

I liked the rather peaceful pace and humor of the narration. I found it relaxing and engaging.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I didn't listen to it all at once, but had I been driving perhaps. I liked the different ideas as to how the dead and history should be treated, found it something to reflect upon rather than to rush through.

pronunciation of local words

pronunciation of some of local things should have been corrected. Monticello. and Jiakarillo. for example. Navajo words well done

Info about ancient Natives

Characters and descriptions of Navajo life are excellent. Good mystery embedded in these descriptions. Violence is somewhat disturbing.

Interesting theory

The narrator was wonderful. He puts the listener in the middle. More depth of history, possibly more about the Navajo ceremonial way, more about birthing traditions; just more! Was sad it came to a conclusion.

Love It

OMG, listening about the adventures boys reminds me of home. The detail description of the houses, the people, the food just takes me back. I'm so happy Thomas was re-connected with his children. Say what you will but the strong belief in witches is true.

Ancient Blood

I really love this series…the narrator is excellent. I love the way Thomas spoke to Grandfather.

Hooked on a New Series

Love the characters and the story. The narrator is great! wait to hear the next book in the series. Love the Whispersync option so that you can read or listen.

A Fun Read

This is book three in the Navajo Nation mystery series. You really should read this series in order to fully appreciate all the characters and history of the Southwest.

This story provides the reader with interesting information about southwest archaeology and anthropology. Charlie Yazzie‘s former archaeology professor is the target of the Indian rights movement. They are trying to stop the study of the ancient Anasazi people in one of the area’s oldest canyon sites. Charlie has his own personal problems as Sue gives birth to their child.

Chappell is a good story teller and he makes it enjoyable to learn about the Anasazi entwined in a mystery story. Chappell brings the history as well as the beauty of the Southwest to life while telling a great story. The reader learns about the culture of the Natives Americans in the Southwest and makes one want to go visit the area.

Kaipo Schwab does an excellent job narrating the story. I always enjoy learning about the narrator. Schwab was born in Hawaii of a Hawaiian/Chinese mother and the German/Irish father. He received his BFA from Boston University. He is an actor of both stage and film as well as a narrator of audiobooks.

Best Navajo books since Hillerman

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have read or listened to all of the Chappell mysteries and look forward to any new ones

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harley Ponyboy

Have you listened to any of Kaipo Schwab’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

His voice is perfect for all the Chappell Navajo mysteries

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No - I wanted it to last and I wanted to do some research on the Navajo lands and sites mentioned in the book.

Loving this series

I’m really loving this series. I feel that I’ve learned so much about Native Americans culture.